Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) for Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
C Some Evidence Limited evidence from small studies, but some positive signals exist.Recent 90-day RCT (140 IBD participants) showed oral butyrate improved Crohn's symptoms and QoL. Earlier studies on butyrate enemas showed benefit in distal UC.
The Bottom Line
Recent 90-day RCT (140 IBD participants) showed oral butyrate improved Crohn's symptoms and QoL. Earlier studies on butyrate enemas showed benefit in distal UC.
Key Study Findings
Population: IBD patients (60 Crohn's disease, 80 ulcerative colitis)
Population: UC murine model + UC patient samples
Population: Active ulcerative colitis patients
Population: RAW264.7 macrophage cell line
Population: Caco-2 cells, RAW264.7 macrophages, fecal fermentation
Key Statistics
3
Studies
390
Participants
Positive
Grade
Referenced Papers
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 150-600 mg/day sodium or calcium butyrate
- ibdsupport:
- 300-600 mg three times daily (900-1,800 mg/day)
- butyrateenema:
- 100 mM butyrate enema for distal UC (clinical setting only)
Upper limit: No established upper limit for oral supplements; most studies use 600-4,000 mg/day
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Positive | 140 |
| Lactobacillus reuteri E9 (dose not specified) | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| 600 mg/kg with main meal | 12 weeks | Positive | 36 |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| 5 mg/mL | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | 212 |
Best taken: With meals; enteric-coated formulations recommended to reach the colon
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Unpleasant taste/odor (butyric acid has a strong rancid butter smell)
- ⚠ Mild GI discomfort (nausea, bloating)
- ⚠ Belching with butyric acid odor
- ⚠ Enteric-coated formulations reduce taste issues
Known Interactions
- ● 5-ASA medications (mesalamine) — additive anti-inflammatory effect (potentially beneficial in IBD)
- ● No significant adverse drug interactions known
Tolerable upper intake: No established upper limit for oral supplements; most studies use 600-4,000 mg/day
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) help with Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?
How much Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) should I take for Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?
Are there side effects of Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate)?
How strong is the evidence for Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) for other conditions
References
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